This year I began my Christmas decorating a full week before Thanksgiving. I don’t normally do that, but Minnesota had a whopper of a snowstorm in mid-November. I decided that rather than sulk (which I really wanted to do), maybe I should just embrace the season. Winter came early, so the decorating came early too.
In my flurried attempt to find the “early joy\” in the season, I decided that the space above our fireplace needed a new Christmas quilt. What pattern could I make, using my existing stash, that could be done quickly and fit the space well? The Moda Love Quilt was the answer!
This is the third time I’ve made a Moda Love Quilt. It is a terrific, free pattern from Moda United Notions that comes in three sizes depending on the precut used (mini charm pack, charm pack or layer cake).
I made the charm size, which is typically 32\” x 32\”. I added a 1 1/2\” inner border and a 3\” outer border, so my quilt measures 41\” x 41\”.
I made the charm size, which is typically 32\” x 32\”. I added a 1 1/2\” inner border and a 3\” outer border, so my quilt measures 41\” x 41\”.
Rather than using a charm pack, I selected some reds and greens from my stash and cut enough squares per the instructions to make my own Christmas colored charm pack. I used two reds and one green from Chestnut Street (Fig Tree & Co.), one green from Farmhouse (Fig Tree & Co.), and one green from Ambleside (Brenda Riddle). I chose the neutral dot from the Farmhouse collection for my background fabric, and the awesome black text and fresh green dot from Chestnut Street for the borders.
While this pattern is quick and easy to sew, I think the end result is quite striking. It shows off the beauty of a fabric collection when a charm pack is used, but it also works well with a smaller color palette! Needless to say, I was pretty happy with my top when it came together.
And then I was elated when I saw it quilted. Many, many thanks to Barb Erickson of Quilts on Broadway who so wonderfully finished my quilt with just the perfect pattern ~ Christmas Bells by Anne Bright. This beauty will hang over my fireplace all winter long!
In this photo you can also see the binding I chose, which is the red gingham from Strawberry Fields Revisited. Joanna of Fig Tree & Co. is a master at bringing us fresh, beautiful collections that continue to work well with past and future collections!
For the backing, I used another winter favorite, the cream snowflake by Sweetwater for Moda. Isn\’t that bell detail in the quilting just perfect?
I really enjoyed sharing this project with you. It brought me a lot of joy and I hope it inspires you to try a Moda Love Quilt. Here are links to my other projects using that pattern.
Thanks so much for stopping by the blog today. I hope you find time to rummage through your stash and get carried away quilting!
~Taunja
I adore this quilt! If I weren't in the middle of another large project right now, I'd start one of these! We always have an antique mirror hanging over our fireplace, but seeing this beauty makes me think it's time to switch it out with a Moda Love mini quilt. Maybe I'll get time after Christmas..thanks for sharing!
Oh thanks for your enthusiasm Kathy! It's fun to switch things out once in a while. I really like this one and will be excited to put it up every year for Christmas! I appreciate you stopping by. Happy sewing and good luck on your large in-progress!
What a beautiful quilt – love the fabric combo! Yes, and the quilting is superb – would Barb like to move to Canada and live around the corner from me :)! Your quilt is in a perfect spot above your fireplace – love it with your other decor!
Thanks Sigi! It's a winning pattern and of course Fig Tree is winning fabric. Woo hoo! Hope all is well up north! 😉
I have been thinking about using this pattern and have not had the chance to get to it. It has now moved up on my list, thanks so much for the inspiration.
You are so welcome! It is a good one . . . quick and easy! Happy sewing!!
I squealed when I saw this in my e-mail! Such a pretty quilt. The bells and holly leaves in the quilting are just so festive and scream Christmas! Barb has done it again!! Jingle bells, jingle all the way… xoxo
Hee hee! I know! Now I want to make another \”something\” just to have her stitch up those bells and holly again! ha ha! Hope all is well. Thanks for stopping by! 🙂 Have a wonderful Christmas!
What a pretty piece! I love everything about it! The fabrics, that quilting, and making it a focal piece over the fireplace are just perfect. I am going to do this pattern next chance I get! Thanks for the share Taunja 😊
There aren't enough hours in the week for all the things we want to sew, are there? Just keep sewing, just keep sewing! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by Pam. 🙂
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